(Jan. 10, 2013) – Environment Canada proposed an amendment to the Renewable Fuels Regulations that would extend by six months the exemption from the 2-percent biodiesel requirement in diesel fuel for the Maritime provinces as well as a permanent national exemption from the renewable content requirement in home heating oil.
That exemption, which covered the Maritimes and Quebec for 18 months, expired Dec. 31. It was meant to allow time to address “logistical challenges of blending biodiesel in the region.” A permanent exemption already in place for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance supports the extension. However, the move appears to substantiate the warnings first made by CTA about the biodiesel mandate, including the supply and distribution challenges. CTA also expressed concern with the impact of biodiesel blends on the operability, durability and warranties of heavy truck engines – especially in colder Canadian climates – as well as the absence of fuel quality standards and the risk of price disparity between biodiesel and regular diesel.
CTA will also be following-up with government and fuel suppliers to confirm whether the exemption in Quebec is no longer required.
